Microburst damages Mount Prospect apartment complex, leaving residents displaced and power calls intensifying
A powerful line of thunderstorms Saturday afternoon swept across the western suburbs, producing microbursts that authorities say ripped the roof off a four-story Mount Prospect apartment building and hurled debris into the parking lot and a nearby field. The building at 701 Huntington Commons Road was deemed uninhabitable and remained cordoned off by a fence on Sunday as residents began the long process of recovery.
National Weather Service officials confirmed that a microburst was likely responsible for the roof collapse around 4:35 p.m. Saturday. Meteorologists explained that these events involve intense downdrafts from thunderstorms that accelerate toward the ground and spread outward, creating localized winds that can rival weaker tornadoes. Winds from the storm system in the area were estimated to reach up to 75 mph, capable of unloading damage over a wide radius.
In addition to the structural damage, the same storm system brought hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter and heavy rainfall, with Sugar Grove reporting more than four inches. The widespread weather also affected several neighboring communities, including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Cary and Aurora.
The Mount Prospect incident left more than 60 units at the Huntington Commons building in need of relocation services. While no injuries were reported, the village’s human services department and the American Red Cross coordinated to assist residents displaced by the damage.
Power outages compounded the challenge for residents. As of Sunday evening, roughly 24,000 ComEd customers were without electricity, with the highest concentrations in the Northwest suburbs and central DuPage County. A ComEd spokesperson said power restoration was expected to be completed by 2 p.m. Monday, with about 550 crews working around the clock to meet that goal.
Shelter and essential services were provided to affected residents. The RecPlex in Mount Prospect served as an emergency shelter, offering meals, beds, blankets and other necessities. Local officials stressed that cooling centers were available for residents without air conditioning, including at the Mount Prospect Police Headquarters and the RecPlex.
Village Manager Michael Cassady praised first responders and utility crews for their rapid response, saying, “We are incredibly lucky that a storm of this violence did not result in serious injury or loss of life. I am grateful for how our first-responder professionals in police, fire, public works, building, and human services responded immediately to ensure the safety of our residents.”
On Sunday morning, debris such as wood beams, siding, roofing, and yellow insulation littered the parking lot as residents and onlookers assessed the aftermath. For those displaced, the RecPlex and other cooling centers provided a critical lifeline while families determine next steps, including insurance and reconstruction needs.
Residents like Janel Bay, who was not at home during the storm, recounted learning of the damage only after a friend notified her of the emergency response. Bay and others described the process of salvaging belongings from their units, many of which were soaked, and noted the challenge of accessing their residences in the immediate aftermath.
Officials urged residents to stay informed about power restoration and cooling options and to contact Red Cross or village services for housing assistance if needed. As communities recover from this weekend’s severe weather, authorities emphasized safety, resilience and mutual support as the region begins to rebuild. If you’re in the area, check with ComEd for updated power status and consider visiting local cooling centers or contacting Red Cross if you need temporary shelter. Affected residents are hopeful for a smoother path forward as restoration work continues.